Chess Puzzle #1lV5s — Beginner, White to move, middlegame

Position

White: king h2; queen e5; rooks f1/f7; pawns a2/b3/c3/d4/g2. Black: king g8; queen c2; rooks b8/f8; pawns a7/e6/g7/h7. White is ahead by 1 point of material. White to move.

Solution (2 moves)

1. Opponent setup: Rxf7 — rook f8→f7, captures rook. Now White to move.
2. Best move: Qxb8+ — queen e5→b8, captures rook, gives check. Opponent replies Rf8 (rook f7→f8).
3. Best move: Rxf8# — rook f1→f8, captures rook, delivers checkmate.

Tactical themes

endgame, hanging piece, mate, mate in 2, short. The combination ends with Rxf8# delivering checkmate.

Position data

FEN: 1r3rk1/p4Rpp/4p3/4Q3/3P4/1PP5/P1q3PK/5R2 b - - 0 24

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